BMW 318is

There’s something very honest about a well-sorted E36 — and this is exactly that. Not overdone, not abused, just carefully improved where it matters and maintained to a very high standard.

There’s something very honest about a well-sorted E36 — and this is exactly that. Not overdone, not abused, just carefully improved where it matters and maintained to a very high standard.

An original Irish car, bought in Cork around 4 years ago by the previous owner with approx 53k miles. Prior to this purchase the car spent years dry stored in a garage near Mallow, which really shows in how it presents today.

The bodywork is excellent, but what stands out is underneath — completely original, never painted, undersealed or “Schultzed.” Clean, dry and rust-free, exactly how you want to see one.

As Autocar noted, the 318is is about balance and response rather than outright power — and this example builds on that perfectly.

RHD individual throttle bodies with carbon airbox give it a much sharper, freer-revving feel, with a brilliant induction sound when opened up. TTV lightened flywheel (approx. 8kg lighter) transforms response, paired with a sprung clutch to keep it usable.

BC coilovers tighten everything up nicely — the car feels planted, composed and genuinely enjoyable to drive without being harsh. It’s subtle, sounds fantastic, and performs really well.

Serviced every 7–9k miles using genuine oil filters the car had been maintained just as it should be.

Recent work includes:

* All brake lines incl. hard lines

* Rear trailing arm bushes & wheel bearings

* Centre prop bearing & flex disc

* Clutch (E30 sprung disc)

* Crank oil seal

* Front wishbones with poly bushes

* Inner & outer track rods

* Sunroof seal

Other maintenance:

* Thermostat & upgraded water pump (metal impeller)

* Full fluid refresh

* Front caliper, pads & discs

* Rear brakes

* Rocker cover

* Rear window seals

Upgrades:

* RHD ITBs + carbon airbox

* TTV flywheel

* BC coilovers

* Evo 4 Recaros + custom mounts

* OMP wheel + NRG quick release

* Front & rear strut braces

* Front lip & fog intake

* Eisenmann back box (with cats)

* Short shifter

* 5 genuine Sunflower wheels

* Stud conversion

* Coil pack conversion

* Fully ceramic coated (NPR Detailing, Gtechniq)

This is a really, really nice car — excellent condition, very well maintained, and tastefully modified. A subtle, sorted E36 that drives exactly as it should.

For the money, I couldn’t think of anything cooler.